overdamped
Returns without oscillating
Overdamped describes a system that returns to equilibrium slowly, without oscillating, because resistance or friction is too strong.
In physics and engineering, an overdamped shock absorber or circuit settles gradually rather than bouncing: The door closer is overdamped—it takes forever to shut.
The opposite is underdamped, where oscillation occurs before settling.
Proportional decrease over time
- slow responseDelayed reaction to stimulus
- steady stateUnchanging system condition
- relaxationState of being unwound
- creepStealthy, slow movement
Impact-dampening suspension component
- dashpotPiston-based motion resistor
- door closerMechanism ensuring automatic shutting
- suspensionTemporary halt or exclusion
- stiffnessResistance to deformation
drag · friction · resistance · galvanometer · seismometer
Mechanisms maintaining desired outputs
- feedback loopSelf-modifying cyclical process
- servomechanismFeedback-controlled automatic mechanism
- stabilityResistance to displacement
- closed-loopSystem with feedback control
signal processing · electrical engineering · mechanical engineering · frequency response
exponential decay
Proportional decrease over time
- slow responseDelayed reaction to stimulus
- steady stateUnchanging system condition
- relaxationState of being unwound
shock absorber
Impact-dampening suspension component
- dashpotPiston-based motion resistor
- door closerMechanism ensuring automatic shutting
- suspensionTemporary halt or exclusion
stiffness · drag · friction · resistance · galvanometer · seismometer
control systems
Mechanisms maintaining desired outputs
- feedback loopSelf-modifying cyclical process
- servomechanismFeedback-controlled automatic mechanism
- stabilityResistance to displacement
closed-loop · signal processing · electrical engineering · mechanical engineering · frequency response
overdampedundamped
Without amplitude reduction
oscillatory · resonant · ringing · unstable
overdampedoscillating
Swinging back and forth
ringing · bouncy · oscillatory · responsive
damp, dampen, dampness, damper, damped, damping, dampener, dampers, undamped